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Penn Medicine/Rifampin

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: May 21, 2025 | Replies (44)

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Hi ! I’ve had Bronchiectasis for at least 10 years and Mac for 6. During this time I’ve educated myself about my disease (thanks to all in this chat room!) and became increasingly diligent about AC, sterilization of equipment, and avoidance of environmental mac; I think this kept me stable all these years. After my last CT about 2 months ago, my docs finally decided it was time to start the big 3-disappointed but could not talk them out of it this time. I’ve tried several medication schedules. It was difficult to assess in the beginning because I also had the flu. The best schedule I have found so far for minimizing GI upset is to take the azithromycin and ethambutal in morning with breakfast and take rifampin about hour before dinner. Hope this helps!
K

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Replies to "Hi ! I’ve had Bronchiectasis for at least 10 years and Mac for 6. During this..."

I see a pulmonologist at Jeff in Philly. I too have bronchitis and Mac. I took AZ and ethambutol for a year ending three years ago. While I have had a recent flare up of pseudomonas, Mac is not showing up in my cultures. Jeff is affiliated with Jewish Health. It seems they are leaning towards not including Rifampin in the treatment of Mac. For many it is the one that is most difficult to handle.

What do you mean by "diligent about AC"
Thank you
Ann P